The internet is a huge part of modern life, with people using it for shopping, banking, research and entertainment. Many websites offer games and betting, including online gambling. It is important to know the risks of online gambling and how to recognize a problem. Identifying a problem and getting help is the best way to stop gambling addiction.
The online gambling industry is highly under-researched and somewhat unregulated. Its revenue has skyrocketed, and it is predicted that it will exceed US$43 billion in 2015. However, a small proportion of those who gamble online experience problems with the activity. This research aims to understand the nature of these problems and the factors that influence them. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, and interviews were held with a non-treatment-seeking sample and a treatment-seeking sample. Interviews lasted 45–60 minutes, were recorded and professionally transcribed.
A total of 30 participants were interviewed, 20 from the non-treatment seeking sample and nine from the treatment-seeking sample. Both groups were mixed by age, gender and gambling behaviours. Most of the interviewees gambled mainly on sports and races, with some also gambling on online slots and poker. Seven of the nine treatment-seeking participants had been diagnosed with a gambling disorder, and all were actively seeking help for their problem.
During the interviews, interviewees were asked questions about their experiences of online gambling, and about the factors that influenced them to gamble. They were also asked about the consequences of their gambling and what they had done to try to address the problem. They were also asked about how they felt when trying to cut back on their gambling, and about the social or work impacts of their gambling.
Although a large number of people are addicted to gambling, there are ways to overcome this addiction. Most of these treatments are based on psychotherapy, and they involve individual or group sessions with a professional counselor. These treatments help a person to deal with the deeper emotional and mental health issues that may have exacerbated the addiction.
Gambling disorders often affect relationships, and can cause stress, depression, and anxiety. They can also disrupt a person’s work and school life. There are many ways to get help for gambling disorders, but it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
Some people are more prone to gambling disorders than others. A person’s family, friends, and coworkers may notice changes in their behavior and be able to help them seek treatment. People who have a history of mental illness are at higher risk of developing gambling disorders. Some of these conditions include schizophrenia and related disorders, bipolar disorder, and cluster B personality disorders. In addition, people who are depressed or anxious can be more likely to be attracted to gambling. It is also important to keep in mind that gambling can become addictive even without a mental health condition.